Galanthus 'Ophelia' is a beautiful double snowdrop from the celebrated Greatorex group, producing intricately layered white flowers decorated with bold green markings. Its inner segments carry a broad horseshoe-shaped green mark, while the additional petals give each flower a wonderfully full and ruffled appearance. An especially interesting characteristic is its ability to occasionally produce two flowers on a single scape.

Flowering from February into March, 'Ophelia' is both an attractive collector's snowdrop and an excellent garden plant. Growing to around 8-12cm tall, it is ideal beneath deciduous trees and shrubs, in woodland gardens or towards the front of a partially shaded border. Given suitable conditions, established bulbs can gradually increase to form attractive clumps.

• Botanical name: Galanthus 'Ophelia'
• Common name: Double snowdrop
• Flower colour: white with green markings
• Flower type: double
• Flowering time: February-March
• Height: 8-12cm
• Position: partial shade or dappled shade
• Soil: fertile, humus-rich and well drained
• Planting depth: 5-8cm (2-3in)
• Planting distance: approximately 2.5cm (1in) apart
• Suitable for: naturalising, woodland gardens, shady borders and snowdrop collections

About Galanthus 'Ophelia'

'Ophelia' belongs to the group of double snowdrops associated with the renowned breeder Heyrick Greatorex. Greatorex snowdrops are particularly admired for their beautifully formed double flowers, and 'Ophelia' is an excellent example of their distinctive character.

Unlike a traditional single snowdrop with three prominent outer segments surrounding a small inner flower, doubles develop additional inner segments. This creates a fuller, more intricate bloom which rewards close inspection and looks particularly attractive when viewed from beneath.

Beautiful Green Horseshoe Markings

The additional inner segments of 'Ophelia' are decorated with a broad green horseshoe-shaped marking. Against the surrounding white petals, this creates a crisp green-and-white pattern at the centre of the flower.

Because much of the detail is hidden beneath the nodding bloom, 'Ophelia' is particularly effective planted on a slight bank, in a raised bed or somewhere close to a path where its flowers can easily be viewed at eye level. It is a snowdrop whose finer details are well worth examining.

Occasionally Produces Two Flowers

One of the more unusual characteristics associated with 'Ophelia' is its tendency to occasionally produce two flowers from a single scape. This will not necessarily occur on every stem or in every season, but when it does it adds another interesting feature to an already distinctive cultivar.

Combined with its double flowers and bold green markings, this makes 'Ophelia' particularly appealing to gardeners who enjoy collecting named snowdrops with recognisable characteristics.

Where to Plant Galanthus 'Ophelia'

Snowdrops prefer partial or dappled shade and are ideally suited to growing beneath deciduous trees and shrubs. Before the overhead canopy develops, the bulbs receive plenty of winter and early-spring light. Increasing shade later in the season then helps provide the cool conditions they favour as they enter dormancy.

Although snowdrops will tolerate a wide range of garden soils, 'Ophelia' will perform best in fertile, humus-rich ground that remains reasonably moist during its growing season but does not become persistently waterlogged.

How to Plant Galanthus 'Ophelia' Bulbs

Plant the bulbs approximately 5-8cm (2-3in) deep with the pointed growing tip facing upwards. Space them around 2.5cm (1in) apart when creating a group. Planting several bulbs together gives a more immediate display and allows them to develop into a natural-looking clump over time.

For woodland-style planting, position the bulbs informally rather than in straight lines. A mulch of leaf mould or well-rotted organic matter can help improve the soil and recreate the humus-rich conditions found naturally beneath deciduous trees.

Excellent for Naturalising

Galanthus 'Ophelia' is suitable for naturalising and can gradually increase when happy in its position. Once established, avoid unnecessary disturbance and allow the foliage to complete its natural growing cycle each spring.

After flowering, leave the leaves intact until they turn yellow and die back naturally. This allows the plant to replenish the bulb and store the energy required to produce flowers the following year.

Dividing Established Clumps

As established snowdrops increase, individual clumps can eventually become crowded. These can be carefully lifted and divided, with smaller groups replanted elsewhere to establish new colonies.

Division is best undertaken around the end of the flowering and growing period. Replant divisions promptly so that the roots spend as little time as possible out of the soil.

Companion Plants for Galanthus 'Ophelia'

'Ophelia' combines particularly well with other late-winter and early-spring plants. Golden winter aconites provide a vivid contrast to its white flowers, while Chionodoxa adds shades of blue and Leucojum continues the elegant white-flowered theme.

Early crocuses, hellebores and cyclamen are also excellent companions. Alternatively, combine 'Ophelia' with single and double named snowdrops to create a collection displaying different flower shapes, markings and flowering periods.

Early Flowers for Wildlife

Snowdrops can contribute to wildlife-friendly planting by providing flowers during late winter, when relatively few other plants are blooming. On mild days they may be visited by early-active bees and other pollinating insects. Growing them alongside crocuses, winter aconites and hellebores helps provide a broader succession of early-season flowers.

Why Grow Galanthus 'Ophelia'?

• Beautiful Greatorex double snowdrop
• Intricate, multi-petalled white flowers
• Distinctive broad green horseshoe markings
• Can occasionally produce two flowers per scape
• Flowers from February into March
• Compact height of approximately 8-12cm
• Excellent for naturalising
• Ideal beneath deciduous trees and shrubs
• An excellent addition to a named snowdrop collection
• Perfect for woodland-style and partially shaded planting

With its intricately doubled flowers, bold green horseshoe markings and occasional twin blooms, Galanthus 'Ophelia' has plenty to distinguish it from an ordinary snowdrop. It is a particularly attractive choice for collectors, but its compact habit and suitability for naturalising also make it a rewarding addition to any shady or woodland-style garden.